A METHOD AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR CLOSING DEVICE CONTROL

Abstract: A method for controlling closure devices (2), lock control, wherein there is delivered to the lock a lock release code which places the lock in a releasable or released state. The method is mainly characterized by delivering to the lock (2) a first code (10) from an updatable information carrier (5), this code opening communication with the information carrier. The lock is then supplied with a second code (11) from the information carrier, this code being intended to constitute a lock release code. The invention also relates to an arrangement for controlling closure devices.

Description: A METHOD AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR CLOSING DEVICE CONTROL The present invention relates to a method of controlling closure devices, lock control, wherein the lock includes a code which places the lock in a releasable or a released state. The invention also relates to a closure device control arrangement, lock control. Techniques of this general kind are known to the art. The lock is a coded lock and is typically provided with a so-called electric striker plate, and the lock can be released or is released by inserting the correct code through a keypad or a smart card. The known technique, however, is encumbered with problems caused by inappropriate disclosure of the code, comprehensive code-changing administrative arrangements, limited flexibility with regard to code transmission, etc. The present invention relates to a method and to an arrange¬ ment with which the drawbacks of known techniques are substantially eliminated. The invention thus relates to a method according to the preamble of the following Claim 1, this method being charac¬ terized mainly by the features set forth in the characterizing clause of the Claim. The invention also relates to an arrangement according to the preamble of the following Claim 9, this arrangement being characterized mainly by the features set forth in the characterizing clause of Claim 9. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which - Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a door fitted with a lock in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates schematically one embodiment of the inventive lock arrangement; - Fig. 3 illustrates schematically an information field of an information carrier in accordance with the invention; - - Fig. 4 illustrates schematically an arrangement of locks which are dependent on a first lock; - Fig. 5 illustrates schematically, although in more detail, a closure device according to Fig. 1 and shows part of the arrangement mounted in a door frame; - Fig. 6 illustrates the arrangement shown in Fig. 5, having a marked operating part; and Fig. 7 illustrates the operating part shown in Fig. 6 schematically and in more detail. Fig. 1 illustrates a door 1 provided with an inventive lock arrangement which includes a lock 2 and which is of the electric striker plate type, for instance, and includes an operating part 4 mounted in the door frame 3, this operating part also including the lock arrangement and devices according to the invention which are included in the term "lock" and are referenced 2 similar to the lock. As shown in Fig. 2, the lock arrangement includes an updatable and readable information carrier from which the lock is supplied with a first code which functions to open communica¬ tion with the information carrier, wherein when communication is established the lock 2 is intended to send an interrogating signal to the information carrier, which in response thereto sends to the lock a second code which constitutes a lock release code. The reference numeral 6 identifies a contact unit through which the information carrier is brought into contact with the lock, wherein the information carrier is preferably arranged to be brought into physical contact with the contact unit. This communication is denoted by arrows 7 in Fig. 2. It will be understood that the information carrier constitutes the key to the lock, and it is preferred that each information carrier is unique and can be identified by virtue of a personal code 9, Fig. 3. The information contained in the information carrier is illustrated schematically in Fig. 3, which shows an identifi¬ cation code 9, the first code 10, the second code 11 and further information 12. l It is also preferred that this further information 12 will include available opening times for further locks 2", shown in Fig. 4, and preferably a personal authorization circuit or plan, this information preferably being intended for delivery to the information carrier upon contact with a first lock and limiting the times during which the lock can be released or opened, these times being predetermined. According to one embodiment, the lock is intended to carry information for providing valid information carriers, i.e. keys, wherein the lock is preferably constructed so that a first information carrier brought into contact with the lock can be updated to the status of master carrier which functions to control subsequent updating, and so that a second informa¬ tion carrier brought into contact with the lock will be updated to the status of an editing carrier, and so that other information carriers that are brought into contact with the lock will preferably be updated to preferably mutually different, unique information carriers, and so that updating is preferably intended to be acknowledged, for instance by terminating contact between the master carrier and the lock, in order for the updating to be valid. According to one preferred embodiment, the editing carrier is arranged to rescind the validity of given information carriers, such as lost information carriers. A preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 5-7. This illustrated embodiment includes an operating part 4 which is intended to be supplied externally with a voltage 13, although not a control voltage but an operating voltage, and with signals for identifying, etc. , information carriers 5 from the contact unit 6, and includes electronic devices for communica¬ tion with information carriers integrated with elec¬ tric/electronic devices for activating a lock catch 14 or the like, comprising a coil 15 or the like. In this case, the operating part 4 forms an integrated control and operating unit which has both a control function and a switching function. As no conductors are drawn between the control unit and the lock catch switching mechanism, the arrangement is much more secure and compact than earlier known arrangements of this kind. The operating current is not applied across the "switching part" of the operating part 4, said switching part including a coil or like device, until a valid code is inserted with the intention of opening the lock or the like. The operating part includes a memory store 16. The method and the manner in which the inventive arrangement operates will be understood in all essentials from the aforegoing. The lock and the information carriers thus include information which enables the lock to open. It will be understood from the aforegoing that the invention affords important advantages over the known technique, such as greater flexibility and reliability. Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof, it will be understood that other embodiments and minor changes and modifications to the described embodiments are conceivable within the framework of the inventive concept. The information carriers and the communicating part of the lock are preferably in the form of smart cards and can therefore be read and updated. In the aforegoing the word lock has been used collectively to define closure devices. The term lock, however, shall be interpreted widely and understood to include all types of magnetic, electric, mechanical, electro-magnetic, electro¬ mechanical closure devices or the like, such as locks which include so-called electric striker plates, or devices which include electro-magnetic pulling magnets which function to hold a door closed. The invention shall not therefore be considered limited to the aforedescribed and illustrated exemplifying embodiments thereof, since modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A method for controlling closure devices, lock control, wherein there is delivered to the lock an opening code which places the lock in a releasable or released state, character¬ ized by delivering to the lock (2) a first code (10) from an updatable information carrier (5), said code opening communi¬ cation with the information carrier, wherein the lock sends an interrogating signal to the information carrier and a second code (11) is then delivered to the lock from the information carrier, this second code being intended to constitute a lock release code. 2. A method according to Claim 1, characterized by bringing the information carrier into contact with the lock through the medium of a contact unit 6 with which the information carrier is brought preferably into physical contact. 3. A method according to Claim l or 2, characterized in that the information carrier includes information (12), such as authorization information, additional to said first and second codes (10, 11). 4. A method according to Claim 3, characterized in that each information carrier is preferably unique and is identified through a personal code (9) . 5. A method according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that as contact is made with a first lock (2) available release times for further locks (2') and preferably a personal authorization plan are sent to the information carrier. 6. A method according to Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, charac¬ terized in that the lock carries information (2) for producing valid information carriers. 7. A method according to Claim 6, characterized by updating a first information carrier brought into contact with the lock to the status of a master carrier which functions to control subsequent updating; updating a second information carrier that is brought into contact with the lock preferably to the status of an editing carrier; and by updating further information carriers that are brought into contact with the lock preferably to mutually different, unique information carriers; and preferably by acknowledging said updating, for instance by terminating contact of the master carrier with the lock, therewith validating the updating. 8. A method according to Claim 7, characterized by using the editing carrier to rescind the validity of given information carriers, among other things. 9. An arrangement for controlling closure devices, lock control, wherein there is delivered to the lock a lock release code which places the lock in a releasable or a released state, characterized by an updatable information carrier (5) which delivers to the lock (2) a first code (10) which functions to open communication with the information carrier; and in that the lock is constructed to deliver an interrogat¬ ing signal to the information carrier when said communication is established, wherein said information carrier is intended to deliver to the lock a second code (11) which constitutes a lock release code. 10. An arrangement according to Claim 9, characterized by a contact unit (6) through which the information carrier is intended to be brought into contact with the lock, wherein the information carrier is preferably arranged to be brought into physical contact with the contact unit. 11. An arrangement according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the information carrier includes information (12), such as authorization information, in addition to said first and said second codes (10, 11). 12. An arrangement according to Claim 9, 10 or 11, character- ized in that each information carrier is preferably unique and can be identified by a personal code (9). 13. An arrangement according to Claim 9, 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the information carrier is supplied with available release times for further locks (2') and preferably with a personal authorization plan upon contact with a first lock (2). 14. An arrangement according to Claim 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the lock is arranged to carry informa¬ tion (12) from which valid information carriers can be obtained. 15. An arrangement according to Claim 14, characterized in that the lock is constructed such that when a first informa¬ tion carrier is brought into contact with the lock, the information carrier is updated to a master carrier status which is intended to control subsequent updating, such that when a second information carrier is brought into contact with the lock, the second information carrier will preferably be updated to an editing carrier status, and such that further information carriers that are brought into contact with the lock will preferably be updated to preferably mutually different but unique information carriers, and such that updating will preferably be acknow¬ ledged, for instance by terminating contact between the master carrier and the lock, therewith to validate the updating. 16. An arrangement according to Claim 15, characterized in that the editing carrier is arranged to rescind the validity of given information carriers.

Inventors: ERIKSSON LENNART, ERIKSSON, LENNART
Applicants: ERIKSSON LENNART, ERIKSSON, LENNART
Application year: 1994
Main classification: E05B49
IPC codes: E05B47, G07C9